metro
Court orders final forfeiture of N2.7bn proceeds of illegal mining in Nasarawa
Court orders final forfeiture of N2.7bn proceeds of illegal mining in Nasarawa
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has ordered the final forfeiture of N2,739,836,331.31 to the federal government, funds identified as proceeds of illegal mining activities in Endo Community, Nasarawa State.
The judgment was delivered following an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, on September 27, 2024.
The EFCC’s application requested the final forfeiture of the sum, citing Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006, on the grounds that the funds were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite stated, “The sum of N2,739,836,331.31 has been forfeited to the federal government, following its identification as proceeds from illegal mining operations in Nasarawa State.”
The court’s decision came after an initial interim forfeiture order granted on July 8, 2024, which was subsequently publicized in The Punch Newspaper on August 8, 2024, to notify any potential claimants of the funds.
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During the proceedings, Ibrahim Idris, SAN, counsel for the first and second defendants—Lideal Mines Ltd and Etong Agrotech Nigeria Ltd—announced his withdrawal of an application challenging the forfeiture.
“After careful consideration, my clients have decided to withdraw their challenge to the final forfeiture of the sum,” Idris said. The EFCC welcomed this development without any objections.
The forfeited funds, which were spread across four bank accounts, were traced to the two defendants. Lideal Mines Ltd held N102,835,460.85 in a Zenith Bank account. Meanwhile, Etong Agrotech Nigeria Ltd had N1,288,265,692.11 in Zenith Bank, N1,187,909,426.70 in a UBA account, and N160,825,751.70 in Globus Bank.
In response to the judgment, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC‘s Head of Media & Publicity, stated, “This final forfeiture is a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to tackle the scourge of illegal mining and related economic crimes. The commission will continue to work diligently to bring all parties involved in unlawful activities to justice.”
Justice Nwite has adjourned the case until October 23, 2024, for a hearing regarding the final forfeiture of other sums linked to the three defendants.
Court orders final forfeiture of N2.7bn proceeds of illegal mining in Nasarawa
metro
Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash
Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash
Four people, including a soldier, were reportedly killed by suspected cultists in the North Bank area of Makurdi, Benue State, on Thursday and Friday.
Local sources revealed that the victims, including two young men and a soldier, were attacked late Friday night.
Another individual, believed to be a cultist, was killed in his home on Thursday.
Chairman of the vigilance group Operation Shara, Nura Umar, stated, “The soldier and two boys were innocent victims attacked by suspected cultists. The incidents occurred near the BIPC area.”
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However, police spokesperson Catherine Anene confirmed only one civilian death, adding, “Operatives have been deployed to address the situation.”
The area has seen a surge in rival cult clashes in recent weeks, raising concerns over public safety.
Soldier, four others killed in Benue during suspected cultists clash
metro
Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst
Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on Daniel Bwala, the newly appointed Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, to apologize to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement, Ndume attributed his plea to Bwala’s earlier criticism of Shettima’s selection as Tinubu’s running mate, a decision that led to Bwala’s exit from the APC over concerns about the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.
It should be recalled that Bwala, previously a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, recently joined Tinubu’s team after being a vocal critic of the ruling party’s decision to present two Muslim candidates for the 2023 presidential election.
Bwala resigned from the APC in July 2022, condemning the party’s choice of Shettima as insensitive to Nigeria’s secular principles. At the time, he publicly opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket, sparking significant debate.
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In his statement, Ndume said, “I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media. This gesture deserves serious applause, particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in the recent past.”
Ndume praised Tinubu’s appointment as a move towards inclusivity and reconciliation, urging Bwala to work closely with Vice President Shettima. “You should work with the Vice President closely as your second principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” Ndume advised.
He also encouraged Bwala to follow the example of key Tinubu allies such as Sunday Dare, Hadiza Bala Usman, and Bayo Onanuga, emphasizing the need for constructive advocacy. “These individuals defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures without being abusive or offensive. Bwala should adopt a similar approach,” Ndume stated.
Highlighting the importance of grassroots connection, Ndume added, “Charity begins at home. You must connect with the grassroots to ensure the administration’s message resonates with the people. I wish you success in your new assignment.”
Ndume tells Bwala to beg Shettima for forgiveness over Muslim-Muslim ticket outburst
metro
Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State
Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State
The Supreme Court in Abuja has affirmed Oba Olatunji Kalejaiye’s removal from the throne, the Nloku of Iraye in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Apex court’s decision affirmed an earlier order of the Appeal Court asking Kalejaiye to stop parading himself as the Nloku of Iraye.
In the Supreme Court ruling delivered by Justice Uwani Musa Aba Aji, the Apex Court granted the application to strike out Kalejaiye’s appeal for lack of diligent prosecution, as prayed.
“Appeal number SC/CV11112022 is at this moment struck out for lack of diligent prosecution,”’ the Supreme Court ruled to end the embattled monarch’s troubled reign as Nloku of Iraye.
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The Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State had in September 2022, halted the reign of the deposed Nloku of Iraye, Oba Kalejaiye, while ruling on the case (Appeal No: CA/1B/255/2015 Suit No: HCS/65/2019, an appeal filed by Kalejaiye against his deposition in 2015 by a State High Court sitting in Sagamu.
The Justices of the Appeal Court, led by Hon. Justice Moore A. A. Adumein, ruled that “the appeal lacked merit and is hereby dismissed. The Judgment of Hon. Justice Olugbenga Ogunfowora is hereby affirmed.”
Speaking on the Supreme Court judgment, Pa Olu Salau, head of the Sugbada royal family appreciated the Justices for doing justice to the matter brought before them in a brilliant, comprehensive, and incisive manner. He urged all parties in the dispute to accept the judgment as the will of God and the wishes of the good people of Iraye.
Supreme Court sacks Remo monarch in Ogun State
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